Housing Design Catalogue

The Housing Design Catalogue is one of many initiatives that will help make housing more affordable for Canadians. It offers adaptable options for homeowners and builders to fit a range of housing needs.

On this page:

1. Designs available
2. Benefits
3. Making designs code-compliant
4. Process steps
5. Contact us

Designs available

The designs that are available for use in Kitchener include options for backyard homes, four-plexes and stacked townhouse modules (which can be used as a duplex, semi-detached duplex or row-house duplex), as well as a six-plex design. Designs were developed by architecture and engineering professionals and are designed to be:

• adaptable for a range of accessibility needs;
• energy efficient & climate resilient;
• cost-effective through standardization;
• reflective of regional climate zones, housing needs, and construction methods; and
• compliant with local codes and regulations.

The City of Kitchener supports use of all of the Ontario region designs from the Housing Design Catalogue: Accessory Dwelling Unit 01, Accessory Dwelling Unit 02, Stacked Townhouse 01, Stacked Townhouse 02, Fourplex 01, Fourplex 02, and Sixplex.

 The Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) types will work on in many different zones in Kitchener, but please note that not all housing types are permitted on every lot.  Zoning regulations such as setbacks, minimum lot width, maximum lot coverage, parking and driveway widths will apply. 

Benefits

The benefits of using the Catalogue include:

• cost effective - Using Housing Design Catalogue plans can save you money and time as you do not need to create plans from scratch. The plans are available to property owners free of charge and may be used by you and your qualified professional to assist you to complete user choices, locate the building on a site and design a foundation, parking areas and walkways, and plan for site services.
• timely review - All small-scale residential projects (including Catalogue designs) will be reviewed for zoning compliance within 10-15 business days, and building permits receive review within 10 business days.  While each project must be reviewed for compliance based on the individual lot conditions, planning and building staff has pre-reviewed the Catalogue designs for zoning by-law and building code compliance.
• efficient inspections - Building inspectors are familiar with the Catalogue designs.  Inspections can be requested though a convenient online portal and will be scheduled for the next business next day.

Finalize a Derived Design for your lot and preferences

The Catalogue designs are ‘near permit-ready’.  They are code compliant and ensure the building architecture and systems have been designed so that the modifications required to prepare permit-ready drawings are minimal.

You will require a ‘qualified professional’ (for example a licensed designer with BCIN number or architect) to assist in finalizing a ‘Derived Design’ (see Catalogue User Guide) so that they are adapted to your unique site conditions. 

This includes but is not limited to:

• designing a foundation/basement suitable for your site grading
• preparing a site plan to show how the building, parking, walkways, etc. will be laid out to comply with zoning
• preparing site servicing drawings 
• confirming heat load calculations
• selecting accessibility features
• selecting energy efficiency features

The designs also allow for individuals to make a design their own through material selection and aesthetic design choices. Colours and materials for cladding, roofing, and interior finishes will also need to be selected and incorporated into the design by your ‘qualified professional’.  The renderings provided by the CMHC are illustrative examples only.

Process steps

• Understand your lot and the zoning rules to determine what plan will work on your lot.
  • Check your survey to confirm lot size and easements,
  • Look for infrastructure such as hydrants, streetlights, street trees, etc. that your project should avoid.
  • Confirm the zoning rules that apply to your lot.  The zoning will permit up to 4 dwelling units on many residential lots subject to meeting regulations such as: minimum lot width, minimum number of parking spaces, maximum driveway or parking lot size, minimum building setbacks, maximum building height, minimum landscaped areas and providing unobstructed walkways.
• If considering an ADU, consult the Guide to ADUs in Kitchener.  The guide provides:
  • a helpful overview of zoning regulations
  • an overview of permit and approval processes
  • answers to common questions about ADUs
  • additional web resources and relevant contact information.
• Review the Housing Design Catalogue and User Guide, pick your plan, and download the technical design package.
• Retain a ‘qualified professional’ to help you complete your Derived Design based on the Catalogue plans and help you prepare a site plan, foundation plan and servicing plan.
• Apply for a Zoning Certificate (required for all ADUs except for a duplex)
• Visit Residential Building Permits to learn more about permit requirements and building inspection.

Contact us

City staff are here to help! Contact us by phone, by email or in person at City Hall.
Phone: 519-741-2345
Email: planning@kitchener.ca or building@kitchener.ca
In Person: City Hall, 200 King St W, Kitchener
Book an appointment to plan your visit
Drop-in during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.